New treatment for enlarged prostate brings relief to men in Lake, Sumter counties

For many men over 50, frequent and urgent trips to the bathroom can become a frustrating part of daily life. A common condition called enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects nearly half of men in this age group. Now, those in Lake and Sumter counties have access to a new treatment offering relief and will not have to travel far for treatment.

On June 25, Urologists Dr. Michael Fountain and Dr. Allison Boemer performed the first Aquablation procedures at AdventHealth Waterman, which is the only hospital in Lake and Sumter counties to offer this innovative procedure.

Aquablation uses a robot-guided stream of water to precisely remove extra prostate tissue, typically with fewer side effects than traditional methods.

“We’re using the natural power of water to gently clear the blockage,” said Fountain, who also serves as AdventHealth Waterman’s chief of staff. “Think of it like carving through soft sand with a hose instead of a shovel. It’s accurate, it’s gentle, and it makes a big difference for patients.”

Unlike older treatments relying on heat or electricity, Aquablation uses a combination of ultrasound imaging and a camera to guide a robotic arm. The robot then directs a high-pressure jet of water at the exact spots where tissue needs to be removed. There are no incisions, no burning, and often patients can go home the same day.

“This gives us much more control and protects the areas that matter most to men,” added Boemer. “Aquablation gives us a level of precision we haven’t had before, allowing us to tailor the treatment to each patient while preserving surrounding areas that affect quality of life.”

The procedure takes about an hour, and most men start seeing results within a few weeks. Some notice improvements even sooner.

By offering Aquablation locally, AdventHealth Waterman has made it easier for men in Lake and Sumter counties to get advanced care without the hassle of traveling to larger cities.

Aquablation is also offered at several other AdventHealth hospitals in Florida, including Palm Coast Parkway, Fish Memorial, Celebration, Heart of Florida (Davenport), Kissimmee, Ocala, Winter Garden and Apopka.

“We want people to know they don’t have to wait or drive far for top-level treatment,” said Fountain. “We’re proud to bring this to our community.”